For the last couple months Merrie's occupation of choice has been "a teacher, like Mommy". She goes around the room pretending to be at work, teaching her toys about letters, counting and even how to put a puzzle together.
But she is also pretending to be at home, still busy working on her computer and will say, "in a minute, I need to put in grades" or "sorry honey, I can't play right now, I need to work."
I didn't realize how much of work I brought home with me - until now. I wear many hats at work and have lots of responsibility. I also work best under stress - so I rarely say "no" when asked to do something. Even today, I'm writing this knowing I need to finishing putting grades into the online parent gradebook (they are already in my excel file, which took me 3 hours to do this afternoon at work, because I had to get each high school students' scores individually). I also need to update my classroom website which is constantly checked by parents, I need to figure out how I'm going to meet with the students who didn't master the last 3 tests, I need to work on accreditation stuff so I don't get behind on that, I need to watch the lessons for my high schoolers so they can learn content from a physical teacher instead of through the computer, I need to create lessons for the next topic I'm teaching to my middle schoolers...this is normal - this is my every weekend.
When I realized I wanted to be a teacher, way back in 2nd grade, it seemed magical. Like I was going to save the world, one kid at a time. I still feel like that, every day...and maybe that's the problem. Am I so dedicated to my job - it has come at the expense of my family? I should have learned this lesson when Thomas and I separated back in 2010 and when we moved in 2014 so I could "spend more time at home". His main concern was that we never talked and I spent too much time working. My original excuse was that I was a new teacher - but I don't have that excuse anymore...so what is it now?
There has to be a way to consolidate the expectations of my parents, administrators and students and meet all of their demands - while at the same time meeting the needs of my family and not losing them in the process. But it's crazy hard and honestly - what I'm just now realizing - not something I want for my daughter to experience.
Parents have expectations of me - they want updated grades so they can see how their child is progressing, they want an updated website so they can support me at home, they want current behavior reports for their child so they know what to address at home. All of those things are understandable and realistic expectations.
Students have expectations of me - they want updated grades so they know what to work on, they need homework to practice what was learned in class. They need these things and it should be expected.
My administrators have expectations of me - they want updated lesson plans and activities that relate to the standards. They want documentation that I am addressing the students who need help and extra support.
So where do you cut the cord? Do you disappoint parents - so that they share with the world their displeasure at your "incompetence" as seems to be the trend with the multitude of viral posts out there... Do you let down admin - at the expense of losing your job?? I refuse to slack at the students' expense...
It seems, that my family has been the cord I have cut - which should also be unacceptable...
So, today, when Merrie was pretending to be a "teacher", I sat down with her and explained that Mommy has a job that she loves and is helping so many other kids - but that she and Micah are my babies, and they and Daddy come before anyone else. Always.
Which is something I've struggled with and I don't want her to struggle with it. So, being a teacher is a great job and deserves respect, but family is more important and should always come first. At the expense of anything job related...even if it means putting some things on the back burner or finding a job that is strictly 9-5.
She just looked at me with those big blues eyes and said, "Oh, I know Honey, I know you love me and I know you love your kids - this is just pretend." and went back to playing school.
Maybe one day, I'll find a balance, but right now, when she's up - no computer, no grading, no work...just Merrie and Micah and Daddy. God first - Family Second - Work Third. Always. That is what I want her to remember, not the Mommy who was on the computer all the time.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Rule 39...
I've been waiting for the right time to post this, and I think that time has come.
Last Christmas (2013), Thomas and I were again bombarded with questions as to whether we were returning to Michigan and tons of comments about how we were missed. We'd been telling everyone for a couple months that we would move the summer of 2014 somewhere "East of the Mississippi", although we were positive we'd probably never end up back in Michigan. The realization came that, if we were going to move, I needed to start actually looking for a job, instead of putting it off. The problem was, I really liked where I was at - minus a couple things.
So, we prayed about it and decided to stay unless something extremely obvious happened (I'm one of those people who needs to be hit by a 2x4 in order to really understand something).
Fast forward TWO days. I received a call from a former boss telling me about this school he'd just started working at and that there might be a need for a 2nd 6th grade teacher the following school year (2014-2015). Still a big maybe, but if I was interested, he'd keep me in the loop. All I could think was "Gibs Rule 39 - there is no such thing as a coincidence". But Phoenix was still incredibly far away from the Mississippi. So, we told Nick we may be interested, IF the opening even happened. It did - so then we made a pros/cons list for moving. The cons for moving list looked something like this:
- I had 8 weeks of maternity leave
- I was playing the piano for church
- I like my current administrator and team
- I had good insurance
PROS for Moving:
- This actually happened the year before...I was moved from one position to another with a weeks notice and with no say from my current administrator. If anything left me bitter, it was this. There were several other things that happened around this situation that contributed, but I'm not going into further detail. Let's just leave it at - I knew no position I ever held would be safe, even during a school year.
- One of the things holding me to Douglas was that I played the piano for my church. I'm an amateur, mostly because I never listened to my piano instructor in college who said I would need it one day (sorry Carla). I always thought I'd be conducting a band NOT a choir (ha). Anyways, because of my amateur status, the church decided to ask me to stop playing, so I could be a voice, instead of instrument (I can't sing and play at the same time and we needed singing) in services. No hurt feelings (seriously) but a cut thread none the less.
- Another "pro" we had for staying in Douglas was my current administrator. She had been with me for 4 years and I was getting used to the mild consistency (of all 4 years, only 2 had been with the same pairing of admin). She told us that April she was leaving for a position at the main office...thread cut.
- Our house was 105 years old and was designed like it. We needed to be able to afford a house that was safe for our growing family - and that probably wouldn't be possible in Douglas.
- Micah was coming :) There was no way I could support a family of 4 on my salary, and also no job opportunities (aside from the Call Center, and we all know how that ended) for Thomas. If my salary wasn't going to cut it, than we needed to be somewhere where Thomas could get a job if needed.
All of these things lead up to us deciding to leave. It has been a ride and a trust in God's plan like none other. I miss my kids in Douglas every day and I still wish we lived closer to home. But Facebook is a great way to stay in touch. Gibb's rule 39 is true - but not always easy to accept. This job will allow me to visit family when I need to, and that is important as well.
Reliance on God doesn't always go as we plan, but it is always what's best.
Last Christmas (2013), Thomas and I were again bombarded with questions as to whether we were returning to Michigan and tons of comments about how we were missed. We'd been telling everyone for a couple months that we would move the summer of 2014 somewhere "East of the Mississippi", although we were positive we'd probably never end up back in Michigan. The realization came that, if we were going to move, I needed to start actually looking for a job, instead of putting it off. The problem was, I really liked where I was at - minus a couple things.
So, we prayed about it and decided to stay unless something extremely obvious happened (I'm one of those people who needs to be hit by a 2x4 in order to really understand something).
Fast forward TWO days. I received a call from a former boss telling me about this school he'd just started working at and that there might be a need for a 2nd 6th grade teacher the following school year (2014-2015). Still a big maybe, but if I was interested, he'd keep me in the loop. All I could think was "Gibs Rule 39 - there is no such thing as a coincidence". But Phoenix was still incredibly far away from the Mississippi. So, we told Nick we may be interested, IF the opening even happened. It did - so then we made a pros/cons list for moving. The cons for moving list looked something like this:
- I had 8 weeks of maternity leave
- I was playing the piano for church
- I like my current administrator and team
- I had good insurance
PROS for Moving:
- This actually happened the year before...I was moved from one position to another with a weeks notice and with no say from my current administrator. If anything left me bitter, it was this. There were several other things that happened around this situation that contributed, but I'm not going into further detail. Let's just leave it at - I knew no position I ever held would be safe, even during a school year.
- One of the things holding me to Douglas was that I played the piano for my church. I'm an amateur, mostly because I never listened to my piano instructor in college who said I would need it one day (sorry Carla). I always thought I'd be conducting a band NOT a choir (ha). Anyways, because of my amateur status, the church decided to ask me to stop playing, so I could be a voice, instead of instrument (I can't sing and play at the same time and we needed singing) in services. No hurt feelings (seriously) but a cut thread none the less.
- Another "pro" we had for staying in Douglas was my current administrator. She had been with me for 4 years and I was getting used to the mild consistency (of all 4 years, only 2 had been with the same pairing of admin). She told us that April she was leaving for a position at the main office...thread cut.
- Our house was 105 years old and was designed like it. We needed to be able to afford a house that was safe for our growing family - and that probably wouldn't be possible in Douglas.
- Micah was coming :) There was no way I could support a family of 4 on my salary, and also no job opportunities (aside from the Call Center, and we all know how that ended) for Thomas. If my salary wasn't going to cut it, than we needed to be somewhere where Thomas could get a job if needed.
All of these things lead up to us deciding to leave. It has been a ride and a trust in God's plan like none other. I miss my kids in Douglas every day and I still wish we lived closer to home. But Facebook is a great way to stay in touch. Gibb's rule 39 is true - but not always easy to accept. This job will allow me to visit family when I need to, and that is important as well.
Reliance on God doesn't always go as we plan, but it is always what's best.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Equal Rights Goes Both Ways
Today, on the way to an appointment, Thomas and I were talking about how equal rights often pertains to women's treatment being unfair, but started listing off all the ways men are discriminated against.
For example: women are more likely than men to get custody, single moms are idolized and single dads are rarely mentioned, how stay at home dads are often considered lazy bums but stay at home moms are superheroes. Then on my feed came an article about the lack of baby changing tables in men's restrooms...and my newest post topic was born.
I'm not sure how to write all of this, so I know it will appear spotty at best. It seems the more I research the more I find that some things aren't as unequal as they may seem - but in different areas. I also struggle with the Bible's very real portrayal of the treatment of women and children as greater than that of men. It is hard to argue with God on this one...but, there are somethings that I feel are common courtesy to men - even when women may be perceived as the favored gender.
I'm all for equal rights, but they need to be equal for everyone. I also know that there are many places that do in fact have baby changing tables in men's rooms. Remember in the 60's (no? me either)...okay, remember reading about how in the 60s, when the Civil Rights battle was at it's peak? One big issue was that the bathroom situations were very different between races. It's similar now, but has changed from black/white to men/women. Women often having pretty smelling bathrooms, with chairs and changing tables...men's restrooms are a different story. I don't know if it's a guy hygiene thing or the fact that women tend to go to the bathroom in packs, but it does seem that the women's bathrooms are generally nicer than men's (or so I've heard).
Some single moms (the ones we always hear about) work their butts off providing for their family, but others are completely absent from their kids' lives. Some single dads also work their butts off providing for their family, but others (the ones we always hear about) could care less. I give amazing accolades to anyone who has to raise their child on their own - without any help from the other parent...it's not an easy job even when there are two people working together.
I went to GoFundMe and searched for "single moms" and found 30,880 pages with $12,762 donated to the first 10 pages that were shown. When I searched for single dad I found 23,984 pages with $9,928 donated to the first 10 pages shown. I don't know what this shows, because it's not really good research...either women are more likely to ask for handouts? or that people are more likely to give them to women? Or maybe it equals out if you look at all 54,864 of the pages.
So here's my very scratchy conclusion to this compilation of weird opinions.
Men have favoritism when it comes to work things - like pay, and job benefits. But are restricted when it comes to kids/home stuff - like staying home, custody, bathrooms...
Women however get treated better when it comes to kids and homeworker stuff. But are not as fairly treated when it comes to pay.
I still feel women get the better deal - money is the least thing I care about...but it still doesn't seem right that we can't just be judged in the work place by JUST our abilities and not gender (or race) and all be treated equally when it comes to domestic issues. I crave the day when this isn't even something that's an issue, it is just the same for all of us.
~End Ramble~
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/10/ashton-kutcher-diaper-changing-tables_n_6838778.html?1426003977&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037
For example: women are more likely than men to get custody, single moms are idolized and single dads are rarely mentioned, how stay at home dads are often considered lazy bums but stay at home moms are superheroes. Then on my feed came an article about the lack of baby changing tables in men's restrooms...and my newest post topic was born.
I'm not sure how to write all of this, so I know it will appear spotty at best. It seems the more I research the more I find that some things aren't as unequal as they may seem - but in different areas. I also struggle with the Bible's very real portrayal of the treatment of women and children as greater than that of men. It is hard to argue with God on this one...but, there are somethings that I feel are common courtesy to men - even when women may be perceived as the favored gender.
I'm all for equal rights, but they need to be equal for everyone. I also know that there are many places that do in fact have baby changing tables in men's rooms. Remember in the 60's (no? me either)...okay, remember reading about how in the 60s, when the Civil Rights battle was at it's peak? One big issue was that the bathroom situations were very different between races. It's similar now, but has changed from black/white to men/women. Women often having pretty smelling bathrooms, with chairs and changing tables...men's restrooms are a different story. I don't know if it's a guy hygiene thing or the fact that women tend to go to the bathroom in packs, but it does seem that the women's bathrooms are generally nicer than men's (or so I've heard).
Some single moms (the ones we always hear about) work their butts off providing for their family, but others are completely absent from their kids' lives. Some single dads also work their butts off providing for their family, but others (the ones we always hear about) could care less. I give amazing accolades to anyone who has to raise their child on their own - without any help from the other parent...it's not an easy job even when there are two people working together.
I went to GoFundMe and searched for "single moms" and found 30,880 pages with $12,762 donated to the first 10 pages that were shown. When I searched for single dad I found 23,984 pages with $9,928 donated to the first 10 pages shown. I don't know what this shows, because it's not really good research...either women are more likely to ask for handouts? or that people are more likely to give them to women? Or maybe it equals out if you look at all 54,864 of the pages.
So here's my very scratchy conclusion to this compilation of weird opinions.
Men have favoritism when it comes to work things - like pay, and job benefits. But are restricted when it comes to kids/home stuff - like staying home, custody, bathrooms...
Women however get treated better when it comes to kids and homeworker stuff. But are not as fairly treated when it comes to pay.
I still feel women get the better deal - money is the least thing I care about...but it still doesn't seem right that we can't just be judged in the work place by JUST our abilities and not gender (or race) and all be treated equally when it comes to domestic issues. I crave the day when this isn't even something that's an issue, it is just the same for all of us.
~End Ramble~
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/10/ashton-kutcher-diaper-changing-tables_n_6838778.html?1426003977&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037
Monday, February 23, 2015
The Problem With Discreet Breastfeeding
So today's post is brought to you by an article I read about discreet breastfeeding, and the fact that this issue has been bugging me for awhile anyway. The author of the post said, "I am sad for the mother who feels the pressure to hide her breasts whilst feeding her child, for fear of embarrassment." and that made me decide it was time to create this post.
So here's the thing - I'm VERY open about nursing my children and extremely pro-breastfeeding. I know several people who have struggled with nursing. I have been blessed with a decent supply and no other complications and I will nurse my babies as long as I can because it is truly a gift. I nurse because I am able to and that isn't something to waste.
But I HATE nursing in public and I DON'T like nursing around most people - most people being everyone except probably my mom, Thomas and Merrie. If I need to, I will always ask if it's okay first. It makes me feel uncomfortable, but it has nothing to do with being embarrassed about feeding my children.
There was a cartoon circulating a while ago that showed a breastfeeding mother next to a poster of a girl in a bikini and asking why the girl in the bikini is acceptable and the mother is often condemned. That one always gets me because I'm not sure either should be okay. I know that's a controversial thing to say, especially from someone who is so pro-breastfeeding. But for me, it's a modesty thing. I don't want anyone who isn't a very close person to me seeing any part of my chest. It's a crazy hard thing to do, because I'm not tiny - but I try. That doesn't matter if I'm just dressing for work, or home or nursing.
I tried covers with Merrie and she HATED them, so we resorted to piling blankets around me or going to secluded areas when we were around people. I haven't tried covers with Micah yet, but he does seem much more calm than Merrie, so we might have a chance - he doesn't mind blankets over him right now. But I will still go to a bedroom over nursing in a room full of people.
There are people who can nurse in public and not have anything showing, it is possible. But I'm not that coordinated and just don't want to be in an awkward position. NOT because I'm feeding my child, but because I'd be showing more of myself than I am comfortable. I do nurse in public, but it is as discreet as possible, again NOT because I'm embarrassed to be feeding my child naturally but because I'm embarrassed to be exposing a part of my body pretty much reserved for Thomas and my babies.
Personally, I feel that, instead of normalizing public breastfeeding we need to focus more on getting rid of the racy advertisements and other things that make showing off "perky" breasts okay. Maybe people should feel uncomfortable around those advertisements too, like they sometimes seem to be around a nursing mother.
That said...when I do nurse in public it is great to hear older women compliment me on nursing my child or ask me how it's going.
I know this isn't a popular opinion among the Pro-Breastfeeding community, but it is how I feel. I will always be pro-nursing and I will always support anyone who nurses in public. But for me, it's just not comfortable.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mama-bean/the-problem-with-discreet-breastfeeding_b_6633558.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037
So here's the thing - I'm VERY open about nursing my children and extremely pro-breastfeeding. I know several people who have struggled with nursing. I have been blessed with a decent supply and no other complications and I will nurse my babies as long as I can because it is truly a gift. I nurse because I am able to and that isn't something to waste.
But I HATE nursing in public and I DON'T like nursing around most people - most people being everyone except probably my mom, Thomas and Merrie. If I need to, I will always ask if it's okay first. It makes me feel uncomfortable, but it has nothing to do with being embarrassed about feeding my children.
There was a cartoon circulating a while ago that showed a breastfeeding mother next to a poster of a girl in a bikini and asking why the girl in the bikini is acceptable and the mother is often condemned. That one always gets me because I'm not sure either should be okay. I know that's a controversial thing to say, especially from someone who is so pro-breastfeeding. But for me, it's a modesty thing. I don't want anyone who isn't a very close person to me seeing any part of my chest. It's a crazy hard thing to do, because I'm not tiny - but I try. That doesn't matter if I'm just dressing for work, or home or nursing.
I tried covers with Merrie and she HATED them, so we resorted to piling blankets around me or going to secluded areas when we were around people. I haven't tried covers with Micah yet, but he does seem much more calm than Merrie, so we might have a chance - he doesn't mind blankets over him right now. But I will still go to a bedroom over nursing in a room full of people.
There are people who can nurse in public and not have anything showing, it is possible. But I'm not that coordinated and just don't want to be in an awkward position. NOT because I'm feeding my child, but because I'd be showing more of myself than I am comfortable. I do nurse in public, but it is as discreet as possible, again NOT because I'm embarrassed to be feeding my child naturally but because I'm embarrassed to be exposing a part of my body pretty much reserved for Thomas and my babies.
Personally, I feel that, instead of normalizing public breastfeeding we need to focus more on getting rid of the racy advertisements and other things that make showing off "perky" breasts okay. Maybe people should feel uncomfortable around those advertisements too, like they sometimes seem to be around a nursing mother.
That said...when I do nurse in public it is great to hear older women compliment me on nursing my child or ask me how it's going.
I know this isn't a popular opinion among the Pro-Breastfeeding community, but it is how I feel. I will always be pro-nursing and I will always support anyone who nurses in public. But for me, it's just not comfortable.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mama-bean/the-problem-with-discreet-breastfeeding_b_6633558.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037
Thursday, February 12, 2015
My Experiences Pumping at Work
When we were contemplating moving and accepting this job, one of the cons for staying was my hesitation at how I would be treated when I came back from maternity leave and needed to pump at work. Arizona's laws are very vague about the rights of a woman, especially in a company with less than 15 employees, which was my old school and my experience pumping there before wasn't exactly positive.
When I had Merrie, I had my pumping schedule all figured out. The SPED teacher let me use her room and her fridge, but I would still need to clean all the parts in the drinking fountain. I was fine with that. For my afternoon time I needed the 6th grade TA to cover my class. This worked for about a month, but controlling kids wasn't really her forte, so I always came back to chaos. Eventually, my boss told me I had to stop pumping during that time because the TA couldn't handle my kids. She also told me that the VP had breastfed all of her kids without pumping during the day, so it was possible. Being a new parent, and because Arizona's laws are so vague, and not knowing how PHYSICALLY painful it would be not to pump, I didn't fight her.
I also had another faculty member verbally bully me about pumping ALL THE TIME. She told me it was about time to stop and that Merrie "didn't need it" once I went back to work. After Merrie turned one, she would often ask if I was still nursing and when I told her yes, her response was always "still?" or "Why don't you stop?" Eventually, my supply dwindled during the day and I stopped pumping completely. Luckily, I was still able to nurse during the evening - which became our bonding time until she totally weaned herself right after she turned 2.
This time around, I told my boss right away I planned to pump after I returned to work, for the rest of the year and into next school year. He not only okayed it, but we've rearranged my schedule so the kids have recess in the middle of the morning instead of right before lunch. My TA takes them out - so even if she couldn't control them in the classroom they're just running around so it's easier.
When she's been unavailable he's covered for my class or like yesterday, another teacher watched them for me. I've only had a couple other teachers notice me cleaning my stuff, but when they have it's been nothing but support. It is a lot of work and it is exhausting - but I know I'm blessed with the ability to feed my kids this way...so I will, until they feel ready to stop. With Merrie, that was at about 26 months. With Micah, we'll see. But at least I know I have the respect to support my son here, I didn't have before.
http://breastfeedinglaw.com/articles/pumping-9-to-5/
When I had Merrie, I had my pumping schedule all figured out. The SPED teacher let me use her room and her fridge, but I would still need to clean all the parts in the drinking fountain. I was fine with that. For my afternoon time I needed the 6th grade TA to cover my class. This worked for about a month, but controlling kids wasn't really her forte, so I always came back to chaos. Eventually, my boss told me I had to stop pumping during that time because the TA couldn't handle my kids. She also told me that the VP had breastfed all of her kids without pumping during the day, so it was possible. Being a new parent, and because Arizona's laws are so vague, and not knowing how PHYSICALLY painful it would be not to pump, I didn't fight her.
I also had another faculty member verbally bully me about pumping ALL THE TIME. She told me it was about time to stop and that Merrie "didn't need it" once I went back to work. After Merrie turned one, she would often ask if I was still nursing and when I told her yes, her response was always "still?" or "Why don't you stop?" Eventually, my supply dwindled during the day and I stopped pumping completely. Luckily, I was still able to nurse during the evening - which became our bonding time until she totally weaned herself right after she turned 2.
This time around, I told my boss right away I planned to pump after I returned to work, for the rest of the year and into next school year. He not only okayed it, but we've rearranged my schedule so the kids have recess in the middle of the morning instead of right before lunch. My TA takes them out - so even if she couldn't control them in the classroom they're just running around so it's easier.
When she's been unavailable he's covered for my class or like yesterday, another teacher watched them for me. I've only had a couple other teachers notice me cleaning my stuff, but when they have it's been nothing but support. It is a lot of work and it is exhausting - but I know I'm blessed with the ability to feed my kids this way...so I will, until they feel ready to stop. With Merrie, that was at about 26 months. With Micah, we'll see. But at least I know I have the respect to support my son here, I didn't have before.
http://breastfeedinglaw.com/articles/pumping-9-to-5/
Saturday, February 7, 2015
For those who hate Common Core...
I've read several posts lately that bashed the Common Core standards. So here's my take, as an educator who was around (albeit for 2 years) before Common Core.
Stop hating on a group of standards - start hating on the curriculum your district choose instead or on how your child's teacher CHOOSES to teach them. School districts chose the curriculum that is used to teach your child NOT the common core. Teachers choose how to incorporate them into lessons.
For example:
"2.NBT.B.9. Explain why addition and subtraction strategies work, using place value and the properties of operations. (Explanations may be supported by drawings or objects.)
Examples are given:
Students need multiple opportunities explaining their addition and subtraction thinking. Operations embedded within a meaningful context promote development of reasoning and justification. Example:
Mason read 473 pages in June. He read 227 pages in July. How many pages did Mason read altogether?
Karla’s explanation: 473 + 227 = _____. I added the ones together (3 + 7) and got 10. Then I added the tens together (70 + 20) and got 90. I knew that 400 + 200 was 600. So I added 10 + 90 for 100 and added 100 + 600 and found out that Mason had read 700 pages altogether.
Debbie’s explanation: 473 + 227 = _____. I started by adding 200 to 473 and got 673. Then I added 20 to 673 and I got 693 and finally I added 7 to 693 and I knew that Mason had read 700 pages altogether. Becky’s explanation: I used base ten blocks on a base ten mat to help me solve this problem. I added 3 ones (units) plus 7 ones and got 10 ones which made one ten. I moved the 1 ten to the tens place. I then added 7 tens rods plus 2 tens rods plus 1 tens rod and got 10 tens or 100. I moved the 1 hundred to the hundreds place. Then I added 4 hundreds plus 2 hundreds plus 1 hundred and got 7 hundreds or 700. So Mason read 700 books.
Students should be able to connect different representations and explain the connections. Representations can include numbers, words (including mathematical language), pictures, number lines, and/or physical objects. Students should be able to use any/all of these representations as needed. An interactive whiteboard or document camera can be used to help students develop and explain their thinking."
This is a second grade standard, and while it isn't as easy as actually solving the problem. EXPLAINING how you get there is important too. For teachers, it's important for us to know a student gets it - not just that they can calculate the right numbers.
If your child is staying up frustrated and crying about homework - write a note and let the teacher know you need a better explanation on how to solve it. Don't ever let a teacher tell you, "don't help" - that's BULL. NEVER do your child's homework - that doesn't help them learn it just shows them it's okay to do someone else's work for them. It also won't let the teacher know what they need to work on with your child - the correct answers will actually make them think your child gets it and doesn't need help.
The other issue - the staying up all night issue, isn't Common Core's fault, it's the teacher's fault for assigning too much homework or homework that is too hard. The purpose of Common Core is to provide students with extra ways in which to solve problems - not just one concrete way. We all learn differently, which is the basis behind more detailed standards.
As I read the last couple statements I realize I'm putting a lot of blame on the classroom teacher - but seriously it is...or on the district if they are so micro-managing that they dictate how teachers teach in the classroom. The Common Core are a set of standards that are common throughout most of the country. The goal was to create a more equal playing field between the states, so that when students move from state to state they will be taught relatively the same thing and won't be too far behind or above the rest of their class.
Don't let a district tell you it's to Common Core's fault - they are just a set of guidelines, they don't force a certain way of teaching.
In my classroom, I teach my students several ways to solve a problem - then I let them choose which one they want to use. As long as we end up at the same place and they can tell me how to get there. I don't care which way they used. That's how Common Core should be implemented - showing several different ways to solve a problem and then letting students choose the one they like best - because we all get there different ways.
Have I used number lines to show multiplication? yes. Have I used blocks to show multiplication? yes. Do some kids get frustrated? yes. Have I had parents tell me they stayed up with a frustrated kid? yes. Was it my fault for giving work that was too hard? yes. But I take blame for that - I'm not going to blame it on a piece of paper.
If you think the Common Core is too hard, check out what other kids around the world have to do:
http://hrd.apec.org/index.php/Mathematics_Standards_in_APEC_Economies
Example was taken from Arizona's College and Career Readiness Standards:
http://www.azed.gov/azccrs/
Stop hating on a group of standards - start hating on the curriculum your district choose instead or on how your child's teacher CHOOSES to teach them. School districts chose the curriculum that is used to teach your child NOT the common core. Teachers choose how to incorporate them into lessons.
For example:
"2.NBT.B.9. Explain why addition and subtraction strategies work, using place value and the properties of operations. (Explanations may be supported by drawings or objects.)
Examples are given:
Students need multiple opportunities explaining their addition and subtraction thinking. Operations embedded within a meaningful context promote development of reasoning and justification. Example:
Mason read 473 pages in June. He read 227 pages in July. How many pages did Mason read altogether?
Karla’s explanation: 473 + 227 = _____. I added the ones together (3 + 7) and got 10. Then I added the tens together (70 + 20) and got 90. I knew that 400 + 200 was 600. So I added 10 + 90 for 100 and added 100 + 600 and found out that Mason had read 700 pages altogether.
Debbie’s explanation: 473 + 227 = _____. I started by adding 200 to 473 and got 673. Then I added 20 to 673 and I got 693 and finally I added 7 to 693 and I knew that Mason had read 700 pages altogether. Becky’s explanation: I used base ten blocks on a base ten mat to help me solve this problem. I added 3 ones (units) plus 7 ones and got 10 ones which made one ten. I moved the 1 ten to the tens place. I then added 7 tens rods plus 2 tens rods plus 1 tens rod and got 10 tens or 100. I moved the 1 hundred to the hundreds place. Then I added 4 hundreds plus 2 hundreds plus 1 hundred and got 7 hundreds or 700. So Mason read 700 books.
Students should be able to connect different representations and explain the connections. Representations can include numbers, words (including mathematical language), pictures, number lines, and/or physical objects. Students should be able to use any/all of these representations as needed. An interactive whiteboard or document camera can be used to help students develop and explain their thinking."
This is a second grade standard, and while it isn't as easy as actually solving the problem. EXPLAINING how you get there is important too. For teachers, it's important for us to know a student gets it - not just that they can calculate the right numbers.
If your child is staying up frustrated and crying about homework - write a note and let the teacher know you need a better explanation on how to solve it. Don't ever let a teacher tell you, "don't help" - that's BULL. NEVER do your child's homework - that doesn't help them learn it just shows them it's okay to do someone else's work for them. It also won't let the teacher know what they need to work on with your child - the correct answers will actually make them think your child gets it and doesn't need help.
The other issue - the staying up all night issue, isn't Common Core's fault, it's the teacher's fault for assigning too much homework or homework that is too hard. The purpose of Common Core is to provide students with extra ways in which to solve problems - not just one concrete way. We all learn differently, which is the basis behind more detailed standards.
As I read the last couple statements I realize I'm putting a lot of blame on the classroom teacher - but seriously it is...or on the district if they are so micro-managing that they dictate how teachers teach in the classroom. The Common Core are a set of standards that are common throughout most of the country. The goal was to create a more equal playing field between the states, so that when students move from state to state they will be taught relatively the same thing and won't be too far behind or above the rest of their class.
Don't let a district tell you it's to Common Core's fault - they are just a set of guidelines, they don't force a certain way of teaching.
In my classroom, I teach my students several ways to solve a problem - then I let them choose which one they want to use. As long as we end up at the same place and they can tell me how to get there. I don't care which way they used. That's how Common Core should be implemented - showing several different ways to solve a problem and then letting students choose the one they like best - because we all get there different ways.
Have I used number lines to show multiplication? yes. Have I used blocks to show multiplication? yes. Do some kids get frustrated? yes. Have I had parents tell me they stayed up with a frustrated kid? yes. Was it my fault for giving work that was too hard? yes. But I take blame for that - I'm not going to blame it on a piece of paper.
If you think the Common Core is too hard, check out what other kids around the world have to do:
http://hrd.apec.org/index.php/Mathematics_Standards_in_APEC_Economies
Example was taken from Arizona's College and Career Readiness Standards:
http://www.azed.gov/azccrs/
Friday, January 23, 2015
Free-Range or Helicopter??
I read an article today about a mother who is under investigation for allowing her children (10 and 6) to walk to a playground on their own. In fact, I've read a couple articles recently about parents allowing their kids to walk home from playgrounds or play outside by themselves. One was about a parent who was criticized for letting her son play outside, where she could see him from the window.
In Douglas, my 10/11 year-olds walked home from school everyday. Many of them walked to MEXICO on their own, which was a good couple miles away. I can't recall one instance where they were kidnapped, or hurt in the process.
Free-range parenting is the idea that you gradually allow your kids more freedom to travel and play without adult supervision. At a younger age than what is culturally deemed "normal" by today's society.
When I was 11, I had a JOB that required me to ride my bike 3 miles ONE WAY to deliver newspapers to complete strangers. I think the only time my parents were with me was if it was raining. Wonder if my parents would have been under investigation too? I never felt scared or threatened. Maybe there were creeps in some of those houses, but most of my customers were really nice. I also walked 2 miles home from school on occasion in middle school (or rode my bike). That ride was on country roads...very unsafe.
When did we get so protective?
Obviously, I'm not going to let my 3 year old walk a mile to the park, but I do let her play in the yard while I'm in the house. What I allow her to do on her own will expand as she develops her ability to communicate and decipher hazardous situations. To me, when you let your child do something unattended isn't based on an age. It depends on her maturity and how much I trust her.
You can't save your kids from everything, it's impossible. In fact, I think helicopter parenting is more harmful than free-range parenting, because it doesn't allow kids to develop true independence - something they will need later in life. The best thing you can do is prepare them for as many situations as you can. Merrie will know how to protect herself and how to identify strangers who could hurt her - we're already teaching her these things. If you don't prepare your child early, than when they are older they won't know how to handle themselves in those situations.
Allowing your child to walk home from school or the park, gives then a measure of independence that will help develop their overall independence...something they will need to survive in the real world.
I also think this is something that responsible parents shouldn't have to worry being judged about. There are far worse things the governments needs to spend money on than whether or not a 10 yr old can walk his sister home from the park.
Read One Referenced Story:
http://fox13now.com/2015/01/23/another-family-under-investigation-after-letting-children-walk-home-alone/
In Douglas, my 10/11 year-olds walked home from school everyday. Many of them walked to MEXICO on their own, which was a good couple miles away. I can't recall one instance where they were kidnapped, or hurt in the process.
Free-range parenting is the idea that you gradually allow your kids more freedom to travel and play without adult supervision. At a younger age than what is culturally deemed "normal" by today's society.
When I was 11, I had a JOB that required me to ride my bike 3 miles ONE WAY to deliver newspapers to complete strangers. I think the only time my parents were with me was if it was raining. Wonder if my parents would have been under investigation too? I never felt scared or threatened. Maybe there were creeps in some of those houses, but most of my customers were really nice. I also walked 2 miles home from school on occasion in middle school (or rode my bike). That ride was on country roads...very unsafe.
When did we get so protective?
Obviously, I'm not going to let my 3 year old walk a mile to the park, but I do let her play in the yard while I'm in the house. What I allow her to do on her own will expand as she develops her ability to communicate and decipher hazardous situations. To me, when you let your child do something unattended isn't based on an age. It depends on her maturity and how much I trust her.
You can't save your kids from everything, it's impossible. In fact, I think helicopter parenting is more harmful than free-range parenting, because it doesn't allow kids to develop true independence - something they will need later in life. The best thing you can do is prepare them for as many situations as you can. Merrie will know how to protect herself and how to identify strangers who could hurt her - we're already teaching her these things. If you don't prepare your child early, than when they are older they won't know how to handle themselves in those situations.
Allowing your child to walk home from school or the park, gives then a measure of independence that will help develop their overall independence...something they will need to survive in the real world.
I also think this is something that responsible parents shouldn't have to worry being judged about. There are far worse things the governments needs to spend money on than whether or not a 10 yr old can walk his sister home from the park.
Read One Referenced Story:
http://fox13now.com/2015/01/23/another-family-under-investigation-after-letting-children-walk-home-alone/
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